Nueva Pescanova stands at the cusp of a new chapter as Abanca proceeds with selling 80 percent of its shares to Cooke Inc., a move disclosed publicly in April. The Galician fishing group will keep its brand identity and its headquarters in Vigo, a point emphasized by Ignacio González, the chief executive officer of Nueva Pescanova. He stressed that the plan has been crafted with a long-range horizon in mind and should be interpreted within that context. Acknowledging the development, González highlighted that partnering with Cooke aligns with a sustained growth trajectory designed to extend the company’s global footprint while safeguarding Galicia’s interests and ensuring the welfare of the workforce. The remarks were shared during the Galician Forum for the Global Sustainability of Seafood, a gathering focused on forward-looking industry strategies.
González underscored the importance of securing a solid industrial partner for Nueva Pescanova and described Cooke as a compatible fit because both parties share a common outlook on the company’s future. He explained that the process is just beginning and will involve extensive information exchange as both sides become more familiar with each other’s operations. While the timeline remains flexible, the review will take time as the group moves from a broad understanding to a detailed, country-by-country assessment of activities. The aim is to ensure operations are transparent and well understood across the entire organization.
Speaking about the company’s footprint, González noted that Nueva Pescanova is more than a fishing enterprise; it is a fully integrated entity spanning aquaculture and product distribution. He pointed out that progress in each market depends on how thoroughly each country can absorb and align with the company’s operations. The core message, he added, is steady execution rather than haste, with teams in Galicia and across the group preparing for deeper integration as the process unfolds.
In addressing concerns about potential impacts on Galicia’s presence, González reaffirmed that the headquarters will remain in Vigo and that the Pescanova brand will endure. This commitment provides reassurance to local workers and the regional economy, reinforcing a future in which Galicia remains a central hub for the company’s activities and a stable anchor for its global ambitions.
Alongside the broader sale discussions, attention turned to aquaculture plans, specifically an octopus farm project in the Canary Islands. González defended aquaculture as a vital component of the ocean’s future, arguing that responsible farming can alleviate pressure on wild fisheries while maintaining high standards for food safety, animal welfare, and growth efficiency. The forum served as a platform to showcase Atlantic-wide capabilities and the potential benefits of sustainable farming. He stressed that ongoing scientific validation is essential and praised support from authorities, inviting observers to visit Nueva Pescanova’s facilities in O Grove to assess the project firsthand. The Canary Islands project has enjoyed official government encouragement from its inception, signaling a collaborative approach to responsible seafood production. [Attribution: Galician Forum for the Global Sustainability of Seafood]